How to dress for an admission ceremony

QUESTION 

Dear Newly Suited 

I am completing my professional studies and beginning to get excited about my fast-approaching admission. However, my excitement is quickly turning to anxiety as I realise, I have no idea about what attire is appropriate for the admission ceremony. Please help! #whatdoIwear

ANSWER 

Dear #whatdoIwear 

Congratulations! Reaching this part in your journey is a huge achievement and we know the amount of blood, sweat and tears that have been shed to get to this point. The admission process can be quite daunting, so the Newly Suited Team is pleased to assist you to strike one thing off your list.

The admission ceremony is a formal occasion, attended not only by your family and friends but also senior counsel, judges and other members of the profession. As such, it is critical that you evidence respect and follow the appropriate ritual. Not to mention that you will cherish all photographs from the occasion for the rest of your life.

Candidates for admission and their moving counsel have the option of wearing traditional court attire:

• wig;
• band (also referred to as legal bib);
• white shirt; and
• gown

These are to be worn over a dark, unembellished suit, consisting of a blazer and pants or appropriate-length skirt (we recommended the skirt is no shorter than above the knee).

Or the candidate and their moving counsel may dispense with the band and wig and only wear:

For men:

• white shirt;
• tie; and
• gown

These are to be worn over a dark, unembellished suit, consisting of a blazer and pants.

For women:

• white shirt or white blouse; and
• gown

These are to be worn over a dark, unembellished suit, consisting of a blazer and pants or appropriate length skirt (we recommended the skirt is no shorter than above the knee).

Candidates and their moving counsel may not combine the two options by, for example, wearing a wig and a tie, or bands over a tie.

Whether you choose to wear traditional court attire or dispense with the wig and band, Korowai and Pasifika cloaks may also be worn over the gown.

Ensure you make your arrangements to obtain a gown and/or wig and band well in advance of the ceremony for yourself and your moving counsel if required. We also recommend reminding your moving counsel of these requirements.

The Newly Suited Team